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Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago has been dealt a major blow in his bid to control the Sh7 billion county development budget.

This was after the High Court in Eldoret dismissed a petition filed by the Executive, through Centre for Human Rights and Mediation, challenging the County Equitable Development Bill 2019, which was passed by area MCAs.

The bill, which was rejected by the governor, seeks to promote growth inwards through equal disbursement of development funds to the 30 electoral wards.

Deceive public

The ruling by Justice Hellen Omondi gives the MCAs an opportunity to control Sh1.5 billion out of the total development funds. Each ward will now get Sh43 million out of the Sh7 billion for projects of their choice every year.

Mandago’s administration had challenged the legality and constitutionality of the legislation, which has been gazetted by the Assembly.

The governor had reportedly accused MCAs of deceiving and inciting the public regarding the ward funds. 

“I urge locals not to be cheated that they will receive Sh43 million for development,” he said then.